Hold on a second. The question of whether I can afford something is relative - it depends on what standard of living I want to maintain. Our parents managed to survive while having boatloads of kids because they settled for less comfortable lives than most people today are willing to.
We did have a house and two cars before we had a kid - and our decision to wait to have a child is a big part of why we could afford all that stuff. So if you want kids early, have 'em. Just don't complain about your lack of material possessions, and don't you dare suggest that I owe you some of mine.
Our parents managed to survive while having boatloads of kids because they settled for less comfortable lives than most people today are willing to. And it's funny how today we are such a happier, healthier lot of people, isn't it?
The poor will always be with us, HLPfiver. To infer that because one is poor, one is not deserving of children--some here even argue irresponsible if not contracepting--is reprehensible. What's more, it's completely muddleheaded. Encouraging the disadvantaged to marry and have children is probably the best hope we have of seeing them become responsible, self-sufficient citizens.